#Bible Sermon

[aunti-christ-ine]

[godslove]

[godoverus]

It wasn’t until Eve bit into the fruit that her eyes were opened to sin. It wasn’t until then she felt the need to hide from God, because she knew she was naked - she was ashamed.

It is because of the same shame that women still hide. Whether it’s behind makeup, hair, clothes, filters, achievements - whatever it is. The lies of the enemy in our ears, telling us we’re not pretty enough, we’re not thin enough, we’re not smart enough, we’re not good enough.

For how beautiful it would be if we lived freely and confidently, embracing the truth of who we are as daughters of God. To walk unburdened by insecurities, knowing that we are fearfully and wonderfully made in his image.

Just like Eve in the innocence of Eden before knowledge of sin, we could revel in the beauty of our existence.

[artandthebible]

The Sermon of Saint John the Baptist

Artist: Lucas Cranach the Elder  (German, 1472–1553) 

Genre: Religious Painting

Date: 1537-1540

Medium: Oil on Panel

Collection: Bilbao Fine Arts Museum, Bilbao, Spain

John the Baptist appears in the wilderness as one who prepares the way of the Lord. In his preaching he calls for repentance because the kingdom of heaven is at hand, and he warns that baptism brings with it the call to bear fruit worthy of repentance. (Matthew 3:1-12)

[thelordismylightandmysalvation]

Salt and Light

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Graphic via Verse of the Day - Matthew 5:14

[reality-detective]

Here's the Sermon of the Day 🤔

[pastorelpa]

John 5:8-11

Hope of Healing

Thank you, dear Lord, for curing my greatest ailment. For taking away the plague of sin and restoring my spiritual health through Jesus. I confess my sin and I gratefully receive Your forgiveness for You are faithful and just. You have a plan that nothing can prevent from happening. Thank You for caring for me in the midst of Your marvellous creation.

Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk. And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath. The Jews therefore said unto him that was cured, It is the sabbath day: it is not lawful for thee to carry thy bed. He answered them, He that made me whole, the same said unto me, Take up thy bed, and walk. (John 5:8-11)

The Lord cares for you deeply. He provides signs, He loves you unconditionally, and He has a unique plan for each of us. He alone has the authority to judge our actions, and He is always ready to forgive. God is love, and His love is perfect and everlasting. Faith isn't about trying to save others or convincing them to be saved. It’s about finding peace within yourself and your actions, recognising the divine plan laid out for you, and trusting that you are walking the righteous path. Regardless of the challenges or what others might say, remember that the Lord is the one who forgives and saves your soul. He is love.

Sin brings unrest, uneasiness, doubt, insecurity, and no good deeds in return. By following His plan and trusting only in Him, He will heal and guide you through life. Don't be swayed by what others believe is righteous. The plan God has for them is not the same as the one He has for you. Focus on your unique journey with the Lord, and trust that His love and guidance will lead you to peace and fulfilment. In this passage, we witness Jesus' miraculous power and learn important lessons about faith, mercy, and the authority of Christ. Let us delve into the story of the man by the pool of Bethesda, and explore its profound implications for our lives today.

In John 5, we find Jesus in Jerusalem at the pool of Bethesda, a place where many disabled people waited for the waters to stir, hoping for healing. Among them was a man who had been an invalid for 38 years. Jesus approaches him and asks, "Wilt thou be made whole?". The man explains his predicament, and Jesus, full of compassion and authority, simply says, "Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.". Imagine the man's astonishment and joy. After 38 years of suffering, he is instantly healed. This miraculous healing shows us that Jesus has the power to restore and transform our lives. No matter how long we have been struggling or how dire our circumstances have been, Jesus is able to make us whole. The man's response to Jesus is immediate. He doesn't hesitate or question; he simply obeys. He rises, takes up his bed, and walks. This immediate obedience is a testament to his faith in Jesus' words.

In our own lives, how often do we hesitate when Jesus calls us to action? How often do we question His commands or delay our response? The man’s immediate obedience challenges us to trust Jesus fully and act on His word without delay. When Jesus calls us to rise, take up our bed, and walk, He is inviting us to step into a new life of faith and freedom. However, the story doesn't end with the man's healing. As he walks with his bed, the Jewish leaders confront him, saying, "It is the sabbath day: it is not lawful for thee to carry thy bed.". They are more concerned with the letter of the law than the miraculous work of God that had just happened before their eyes. The healed man responds, "He that made me whole, the same said unto me, Take up thy bed, and walk.". He recognises Jesus' authority and prioritises His command over the traditional interpretation of the Sabbath.

This encounter teaches us an important lesson about legalism and compassion. The Jewish leaders were so focused on their rules that they missed the miraculous work of God. Jesus, on the other hand, demonstrated that mercy and compassion take precedence over rigid adherence to the religious law. The man's defence of his actions points us to the ultimate authority of Jesus. He acknowledges that the one who healed him has the right to command him, even if it goes against societal norms. This recognition of Jesus' authority is crucial for our faith.

In our own lives, we must also acknowledge Jesus' authority. His commands may challenge societal expectations or religious traditions, but we are called to follow Him above all else. Jesus' authority is rooted in His love, compassion, and power to heal and save. By submitting to His authority, we align ourselves with His divine plan for our lives. As we reflect on this powerful passage from John 5, let us remember the key lessons it teaches us. Jesus has the power to heal and transform our lives. We are called to immediate obedience to His commands. Compassion and mercy take precedence over rigid religious legalism. We must recognise and submit to Jesus' authority in all aspects of our lives.

Let us be inspired by the faith and obedience of the man by the pool of Bethesda. Let us trust in Jesus' power to make us whole, respond to His call without hesitation, and prioritise His commands over all else. May we walk in faith, knowing that Jesus is with us, guiding us, and healing us every step of the way.

Amen

With love, Pastor Elpa

[tomicscomics]

02/10/2023

No butts.

___ JOKE-OGRAPHY: Jesus tells His disciples not to swear.  He means that they should always be honest -- that their yes should mean yes and their no should mean no without the need for fancy oaths.  Peter however, takes it to mean Jesus doesn't want them saying bad words ("swear" can mean either "take an oath" or "utter a profanity").  This might be true, but it's not what He was saying here.  Also, "butt" isn't a swear anyway, except maybe in the absolute most prudish of households.  Peter was just being way too cautious.

[hopelesssromance]

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

The Beatitudes

3 God blesses those people who depend only on him. They belong to the kingdom of heaven!

4 God blesses those people who grieve. They will find comfort!

5 God blesses those people who are humble. The earth will belong to them!

6 God blesses those people who want to obey him more than to eat or drink. They will be given what they want!

7 God blesses those people who are merciful. They will be treated with mercy!

8 God blesses those people whose hearts are pure. They will see him!

9 God blesses those people who make peace. They will be called his children!

10 God blesses those people who are treated badly for doing right. They belong to the kingdom of heaven.

11 God will bless you when people insult you, mistreat you, and tell all kinds of evil lies about you because of me. — Matthew 5:3-11 | Contemporary English Version (CEV) Contemporary English Version Bible © 1995 by American Bible Society Cross References: 2 Samuel 17:28; 2 Samuel 22:26; Psalm 25:13; Psalm 63:1; Psalm 107:9; Isaiah 29:19; Isaiah 61:2; Isaiah 66:2; Matthew 5:45; Matthew 19:14; Mark 10:14; Luke 6:20; John 16:20; John 19:26; Hebrews 12:14; James 3:17; 1 Peter 4:14

Read full chapter

The Sermon on the Mount

[paulnrobbins]

God is obsessed for you

[aunti-christ-ine]

[tilbageidanmark]

(All the other memes I made..)

[pathofregeneration]

Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

— Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5:8-10 (KJV)

[religioused]

Speaking at an Affirming church.

[papasmistakeria]

Father Dougal McGuire’s sermons must’ve been insane